From Sabeltann to Salieri
Ready for the lead role in Amadeus
Kyrre Haugen Sydness, a native of Southern Norway, is currently preparing to step into the Amadeus universe as Salieri after a hectic month playing a well-known and beloved pirate.
In recent weeks, Kyrre has been visitingperforming arts centre Kilden performing arts centre catch up on the material that was put on hold due to the strike that broke out in 2021. Now, the premiere of one of Kilden biggest productions Kilden is just around the corner.
Busy times
“It’s been a busy late summer for me, commuting between Kjuttaviga and Kilden, but I’m looking forward to getting back to work on Salieri,” says Kyrre, relaxing in a chair in Kilden’s foyer.
In the play *Amadeus*, Salieri is the hardworking composer who does everything society expects of him—and then some.
“Salieri works tirelessly to achieve success as a composer. He is successful, but he doesn’t have the innate genius that Mozart possesses,” says Kyrre, continuing:
“In that sense, most of us probably have more in common with Salieri than with Mozart. Salieri understood the gift Mozart had been given, but he also realized that he himself was incapable of creating such music. That drove him to a very dark place. It is from this darkness that the story is told, and that is what makes it so compelling,” says Kyrre.
The Successful Salieri
Some might say that Salieri is melancholic, but Kyrre doesn't agree.
“Salieri isn’t gloomy. He’s naturally shaped by his life’s great project; he’s the kind of person who lives and breathes for music,” Kyrre smiles.
Amadeus is a well-known and beloved play for many. And although the story is inspired by real people and events, certain artistic choices have been made that steer the story away from facts and toward fiction. Kyrre is keen to emphasize that Salieri was by no means a failure, as one might get the impression from some reviews of the play—quite the opposite.
“In the 1700s, Salieri was extremely successful. Keep in mind that when Mozart was writing some of his greatest and most highly regarded piano and string concertos, Salieri was the more renowned composer of the two.” He held the position of Imperial Kapellmeister; it was impossible to climb any higher on the career ladder as a musician in Vienna at that time,” Kyrre says enthusiastically.
In the play, jealousy and envy drive Salieri to madness; if we are to believe Kyrre, the man we come to know in the play is a tormented one.
“Salieri is talented, has a fantastic career, and is in many ways at the top of the world, but precisely because of these positive attributes, he realizes that the genius Mozart will eventually surpass him. It’s not a question of if, but when, and this torments Salieri,” says Kyrre.
New Perspectives
Amadeus was supposed to be staged in 2021 but was canceled due to a strike, which may pose some challenges for the actors.
“I had planned to read the script once a week to keep it fresh in my mind. Have I done that? No comment,” Kyrre says with a grin, sitting in the foyer of Kilden dressed for summer.
– The timing of the strike was poor; we had just come out of lockdowns due to the pandemic, and conditions were tough for anyone organizing gatherings. That said, the play has had time to mature over the past few years. I’ve just spent three wonderful days here at Kilden going over the script with assistant director Vibeke.
"The result is a number of changes that I think will make the play even better—hopefully," Kyrre says with a smile.
Amadeus is perhaps the largest production ever staged here at Kilden. For those involved, the involuntary hiatus has provided an opportunity to reflect on what they’ve missed and gain new perspectives.
“Even though I would have preferred not to have had this break, it has given us a chance to reflect on the play and really feel what we’ve been missing. It was a very pleasant and positive reunion here at Kilden I’m looking forward to seeing more of my wonderful colleagues and the fantastic symphony orchestra at Kilden,” Kyrre says with a smile.
Mozart for Everyone
When the topic turns to who the play is written for, Kyrre comes up with a comprehensive list.
“Anyone who loves music. Anyone who wants to see good theater, hopefully,” says Kyrre, before continuing:
“Anyone who’s curious about Mozart and his life. Everyone, really—isn’t that a fair summary?” Kyrre asks rhetorically.
Wide-ranging experience
Kyrre has an impressive résumé, with experience from Rogaland Teater, Den Nationale Scene, the National Theater, and Det Norske Teatret. He has performed in works ranging from Ibsen, Shakespeare, and Chekhov to more recent contemporary plays. In addition, he has appeared in several major national and international TV and film productions.
“I’d like to alternate between theater, TV, and film. I love diving into the process involved in a theater production—two months of working on expression and text that are given plenty of time to mature. Performing in front of the camera, on the other hand, involves less time for preparation and high demands on expression and precision. I long for the theater when I’m making films and vice versa,” says Kyrre, continuing:
– The process we’re going through right now at Kilden amazing. Especially when we’re working on a production as large as *Amadeus*, which features singers, musicians, dancers, and actors all on the same stage.
A Friend from Southern Norway
Kyrre has spent several summers in the region and, perhaps not surprisingly, has begun to settle down here in Southern Norway.
“Summer in Southern Norway has become an important part of my family’s life. We have a cabin in Lillesand, and being able to paddle out in a kayak among the skerries and find a warm rocky shore in beautiful surroundings is, for me, the very essence of summer,” says Kyrre, glancing out the large glass window at Kilden a view of the sea.
Given his long history in the region, it’s only natural to ask Kyrre if there are any places he has to visit while spending the summer here in Southern Norway.
“It goes without saying that I have to stop by Kjuttaviga,” Kyrre laughs.
